Planning permission has been granted for the first phase of the terminal expansion at Ireland West Airport Knock. The airport expansion is due to be completed by the end of the year.
Currently, Ireland West Airport Knock can carry 500,000 passengers a year. When the new developments are completed, this should rise to 800,000.
The terminal expansion will include a new security screening area, an expanded check-in hall, additional departures capacity and enhancements to the baggage sorting facility.
There is also a second extension planned for 2009-2010, which will provide additional arrivals capacity and further develop the departures areas.
April 9th, 2008
St Patrick’s Day is celebrated all around the world. However, for many it is simply a party, rather than a chance to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint. This is strange, because Saint Patrick had a dramatic life.
As a young lad of sixteen years he was captured by a band of raiders near Bologne in Gaul and taken with many others to slavery in Ireland. He was first brought to Mayo, but later sold to an Antrim farmer and he spent six years in captivity as a shepherd on Slemish Mountain.
One cold winter’s night, while Patrick slept, he heard a voice telling him “it is well that you fast, soon you will go to your own country” and a short time later the voice said to him “Look, your ship is ready”.
The spirit guided Patrick to the south of Ireland near Wicklow where he boarded a ship with a cargo of dogs bound for Gaul.
At this time an invasion of Gaul had left much of it desolate. Patrick and the crew of the boat wandered for 28 days until all food had run out. Patrick said to the crew “turn to God and he will provide” and suddenly a herd of pigs appeared and they had food once more. Patrick had performed his first miracle.
For a number of years Patrick wandered through Gaul. Conscious of his lack of formal training in theology and law he spent his time talking to and learning from the wise deacons and Bishops and soon he was made a Bishop in Rome.
He was lonely in Gaul so he went to visit his relations in Britain. While he was there he had another vision in which a man arrived from Ireland with many letters, including one for himself. The letter said “We ask you boy to come and walk once more among us”. Patrick was delighted and went to Ireland immediately.
The people of Ireland at this time were pagans under the influence of the Druids. Patrick had first to rid the country of these “magicians”. This is symbolised by the banishing of the snakes forever from Ireland.
He now set about converting the people to Christianity. His deep faith and belief in the Blessed Trinity made this doctrine a centre piece of his instruction. To help explain the mystery he used the simple 3 leaf shamrock to illustrate 3 persons in one God.
St Patrick died in 461. By this time he had created an established structured church throughout the country. His converts were across the entire social classes from Princes to slaves and many of his priests and deacons were from the youth of Ireland. He is still to this day the most famous figure in Irish history and is one of the best known figures throughout the Christian world.
February 27th, 2008
The Downhill Hostel in Coleraine is a great way to spend a vacation in Derry. This hostel is located on the largest beach of the North Coast. The common room here has a fireplace. The kitchen is fully equipped with spices, tea and coffee. The dining room provides a nice view of the Atlantic Ocean. Small dorms and private rooms have very comfortable beds. Hot water is available all day. Bicycle storage is very secure and the lockers in the rooms are free. Laundry services are also available. Ash Villa Hostel is another fine hostel in Derry City. Rooms ranging from dorms to en-suite family rooms have the capacity to accommodate 22 people. The self catering kitchen is very modern and equipped with everything one might need. The common room features TV, DVD player and a video library. Linen and internet access are free.
March 9th, 2007
Derry City Independent Hostel is a wonderful place to stay and have fun at the same time. The hostel staff is committed to ensuring that the guests have the best time possible. They will do everything from doing the laundry to taking you out to pubs to meet the locals and enjoy the nightly music sessions. Everyone is welcomed with tea or coffee here. In fact, tea and coffee are completely free. Broadband internet access is also offered free. A free delicious breakfast will welcome you every morning. On most summer nights, guests can participate in all-you-can-eat barbeques for a small amount of money. The food includes such mouth watering delicacies as burgers, chicken wings, sausages, bread etc. The dining room of this hostel has been transformed into an Indian style Aladin’s Cave that will prove to be interesting to many guests.
February 8th, 2007
The Salmon Leap in Coleraine is a great place to taste the best of the salmon dishes. The selection of wines is amazing and makes dining at this place a worthwhile experience. The Sandwich Company in Derry City will introduce you to some of the best hot and cold sandwiches in the province. Homemade cakes and excellent coffee greatly enhance the pleasure of this satisfying dining experience. If you love the taste and texture of fresh fish, there’s no better place to go than Reggie’s Seafood Restaurant. They feature an exclusive selection of locally caught fish. The taste of the food is enhanced by imaginatively created delicious sauces. The Little Tea Shop is very popular with the locals and the tourists. Smoking is not allowed here and the menu offered is pretty extensive. The afternoon cream tea is a favourite of many visitors here. A nice selection of simple and well-prepared family dishes is offered for lunch.
December 28th, 2006
